“Egan Bernal was the MVP today” - Thymen Arensman hails INEOS rescue act after saving Giro d’Italia top-four finish on Stage 20

Thymen Arensman paid tribute to Egan Bernal after Netcompany INEOS helped him survive Derek Gee-West’s late attack and defend fourth overall on Stage 20 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.

Arensman finished fifth on the stage to Piancavallo, four seconds behind the group containing Felix Gall, Jai Hindley and Gee-West, after a tense final climb briefly threatened to shake up the top five. Jonas Vingegaard rode clear for the stage win and all but sealed overall victory, but behind the maglia rosa the fight for fourth remained alive until the final kilometres.

Gee-West accelerated from the favourites’ group on the final ascent, with Hindley following to defend his podium position. Arensman was forced to manage the effort rather than follow immediately, but Bernal stayed with him, helped pace the climb, and brought the Dutchman back towards the chase group late on.

“Well, there is still one stage to go, so who knows? But Egan really was the MVP today,” Arensman told Cycling Pro Net in an interview after the stage.

Gee-West had started the day fifth overall, 58 seconds behind Arensman, after finishing second on Stage 19. His acceleration on Piancavallo created another moment of pressure for the INEOS rider, especially with Hindley quickly joining the move and Gall also up the road behind Vingegaard.

Arensman did not panic. He and Bernal kept the effort controlled through the steeper section, then limited the gap once the gradient eased nearer the top. “We had a plan for today and we did exactly that,” Arensman said. “I think we both did a super good performance and paced the climb to absolute perfection.”

The approach was enough to protect his place in the general classification. Arensman crossed the line fifth on the stage, just ahead of Bernal, while Gee-West finished fourth and remained fifth overall.

“I know from yesterday as well that on such steep climbs, I have to pace a little bit more,” Arensman explained. “Then on the slightly easier last part, we could make a difference together. It is super nice when a plan comes together.”

Arensman’s ride also gave INEOS a strong final mountain result after a difficult race in the shadow of Vingegaard’s dominance. Bernal finished sixth on the stage and ninth overall, while his support on Piancavallo helped ensure Arensman remained fourth heading towards Rome.

The Dutchman was quick to spread the credit beyond the final climb. “Also, chapeau to the team all day,” he said. “They did a super good job for me and I feel super proud and honoured to ride for this team and get a nice result back for the team. I am just really proud of the guys.”

Barring disaster on the final stage, Arensman will finish fourth overall at the Giro, behind Vingegaard, Gall and Hindley. Gee-West’s late push made him work for it, but INEOS had the numbers, Bernal had the legs, and Arensman had enough left to finish the job.